1. things assumed or taken for granted beforehand; underlying assumptions that are believed to be true without proof
Usage: plural form of presupposition; commonly used in philosophy, linguistics, and logic
2. in linguistics, information that a speaker assumes the listener already knows or accepts as true when making a statement
Usage: technical term in semantics and pragmatics

Examples

• The argument's presuppositions were never clearly stated, making it difficult to evaluate.
• Many scientific theories rest on certain presuppositions about how the natural world works.
• When someone says 'The king of France is bald,' the presupposition is that France has a king.
• Her presuppositions about human nature shaped her entire approach to psychology.
• The debate revealed fundamental presuppositions that the two sides did not share.
• Philosophers often examine the presuppositions underlying common beliefs.
• Understanding a culture requires recognizing its presuppositions about family and community.